ACTION’s 2015 Fundraising Event & 21st Anniversary and Children’s Month Celebration
A Child’s Trust Is Ours to Nurture (ACTION) Incorporated organized 3km run-for-a-cause dubbed as “ACTION and Harbor Point’s COLOR RUN for Vulnerable Children: Takbo Para sa Makulay na Pag-asa” on November 29, 2015 at Rizal Open Parking, Harbor Point Mall, Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ). The event is also a celebration of ACTION’s 21st anniversary and of the Children’s Month.
This fundraising activity is organized for the benefit of the beneficiaries of ACTION’s CHIKARA Program. These beneficiaries are children and youth from different partner residential care facilities in Olongapo City and Zambales, and also from partner communities. The Color Run is symbolic of the bright future that ACTION wants these underprivileged children and youth to have.
There were exactly 482 individuals who participated in the Color Run. Participants were mostly from schools that partnered with ACTION for this event such as First School of SBFZ with the assistance of School Administrator Soledad Catli; Olongapo City Elementary School in cooperation with PTA Officers Ernesto Eclarino and Adeluisa Madronio; and Kalalake Elementary School in partnership with Principal Marites Calara and MAPEH Teacher George Nery. In addition, the CEO together with several employees from Lindberg Ag A4-Branch joined this event, as well as the owner of Samasti Yoga and some of their members. A few sailors from USS Emory S Land also participated, thanks to the help of Mr. Norman Tuzon, US Military Liaison Officer for Community Relations. ACTION’s Board of Trustees and their family were also present for this event, namely Mr. Vittorius Gutierrez and Mr. Israel Ortega.
The programme started at around 6:00 o’ clock in the morning with a Yoga led by Mrs. Maria Guadalyn G. Sicat, RPT, of Samasti Yoga. Roughly 700 people (participants, beneficiaries, volunteers and staff of ACTION) gathered on the Rizal Open Parking area of the Harbor Point Mall. The first wave of runners, who are mostly adults, started around 6:15am. The second wave, mostly little kids with their parent/guardian, followed after 10 minutes.
There were two color stations where TATAG volunteers were in position to throw different color powders at the participants as they pass by. Some participants avoided the powder while some welcomed it. It definitely made the event fun and exciting. Upon reaching the finish line, the participants were given a small packet of color powder to be used for the grand throwing of color powder.
While waiting for the other runners to cross the finish line the finisher/s enjoyed the refreshment, courtesy of sponsors and hydration partners, and were also invited to visit the Chikara Booth offering free massage and hair cut.
When everyone had finished the run, the participants were called to gather in front of the stage for the grand throwing of color powder which is the highlight of the event. Energetic finishers did the countdown with the emcees before emptying their packets of color powder, throwing it up in the air. This colorful and lively moment of the event was enjoyed not only by the participants but also by the organizers and its stakeholders.
A short program commenced afterwards, and the founder
of ACTION, Mr. Hajime Yokota, gave the opening remarks.
He shared how he was inspired by the potentials of the marginalized children and youth. This led him to develop the Chikara Program of ACTION. Honorable Jong Cortez, City Councilor, was also present during the event to give a special message on behalf of Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino. He expressed his thanks to ACTION for organizing the color run which would surely benefit underprivileged children.
In between the program, there were trivia questions and raffle draws. Winning participants received small items and gift vouchers from sponsors. The emcees for the event were Ms. Sara Meier, a committed volunteer and supporter of ACTION, and Mr. Emmanuel Drewery, ACTION staff. Mr. Victor Felarca, another supporter of ACTION, also shared his expertise in stage direction while Mr. Dino Jose of Road Racing Events acted as volunteer race director.
A total of 130 Chikara Program beneficiaries also showcased their talents during the event. Karate no Chikara participants performed their “Kata” (Karate demonstration) with their instructor, Mr. Jim Edison Rabacca while instructors Mr. Bong 
Thelmo and Mr. Neil Ebias assisted the Dance no Chikara beneficiaries for their dance presentation. Also, two visually impaired children from Niños Pag-asa Center gave an inspiring song number. Moreover, a booth for a seated-massage, hair styling and haircutting from the participants of Therapy no Chikara and Hasami no Chikara, provided respite to the weary color run participant. This was headed by Mr. Rodolfo Espiritu, massage instructor, and Ms. Mara Ginarie Esperas, Project Staff assigned in the Chikara Program. Mr. Rodmar Neo Eda, also a volunteer, served as the official photo-documenter for the event and were assisted by the Photography no Chikara beneficiaries.
Some of the participants expressed that the event was one-of-a-kind and was very different from other running events they have joined before. They really enjoyed the experience and had so much fun during the Color Run. Others gave feedback that they felt that the registration fee was worth it because of the unique experience, at the same time, they were able to help underprivileged children thru this event. They also appreciated the Chikara booth wherein they did not only witness the skills of the beneficiaries but also experienced a good massage and hair trimming. Participants expressed their willingness to join the next run-for-a-cause of ACTION because they wanted to support events meant to benefit underprivileged children and youth.
ACTION expresses its heartfelt thanks to its partner agencies for their support for this event, namely as Social Development Center (SDC-CSWDO), Center For Youth (CFY-CSWDO), People’s Recovery, Empowerment and Development Assistance (PREDA) Foundation, Tayo Ang Tinig At Gabay (TATAG) Inc. Jireh Children’s Homes, International Children’s Advocate, Inc. (Niños Pag-asa Center), and Philippine Outreach Centre Children’s Home (POCCH).
Various SBMA departments also provided assistance to ACTION for this event, namely the Law Enforcement Dept., Fire Dept., Public Heallth & Safety Dept., Media Production Dept, and more importantly, the Tourism Department. For this, ACTION is grateful to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Chairman’s office.
This event would not be successful if not for the support of various groups and individuals, as participants, volunteers, partners, and sponsors for this event. In particular, ACTION expresses its gratitude to Ayala Mall – Harbor Point for being the co-presenter for this event; Rotaract Club of Freeport Zone (Subic Bay), Kabalikat – Civicom (Iba and Olongapo Chapter), SUBIC WATER, and Samasti Yoga, Sakura Fund Project by Rejob, Japan Printworks, Fuji Xerox, Emerging Power (Jobin SQM) Inc., Magaul Bird Park – JEST Camp, Slimmers World, Sam’s Pizza, Shining Star Salon and Bakery, Nestle – Milo, Jollibee Olongapo, Fiesta Communities, Yan Yan International Philippines Inc., The Generics Pharmacy, 7-Eleven, and Ocampo’s – Silverworks. ACTION also would like to thank the individual volunteers who shared their time and effort to make this event possible, they are the following: Mr. Jomel Victoria, Ms. Regine Elyzza Genato, Ms. Charity Mabini, and Columban College social work students.
Lastly, ACTION would like to thank the DEPED Olongapo and City Social Welfare and Development Office for issuing their endorsements for this event as well as the DSWD Field Office 3 for issuing the necessary solicitation permit for the conduct of this fund raising activity.
Through this run-for-a-cause, the network of ACTION also expanded. Furthermore, the public was made aware about child’s rights and children’s month celebration, and ACTION’s programs and services for underprivileged children.
